Coco Robicheaux: October 25, 1947-November 25, 2011

It's been reported that Coco Robicheaux died earlier this evening.   While at the Apple Barrel Bar on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans he suffered some sort of medical emergency while visiting the bar and was rushed to the hospital.  Coco Robicheaux was born Curtis John Arceneaux in Ascension Parish.  

The bust of Professor Longhair that greets visitors as they enter the famed New Orleans' nightclub Tipitinia's was created by Coco Robicheaux.  As many times as I've seen Coco perform I've probably seen him on the side of the stage, listening to so many other acts, it was obvious that Coco loved music.  Seeing Coco meant that you were more than likely going to see Irene Sage, she was found singing backup for Coco at every show I ever saw him perform. 

I have a Jazz Fest hat that besides just wearing I've been collecting autographs on.  I'm not a big fan of collecting autographs of just anyone.  But one of the names signed across the top of my hat is that of Coco Robicheaux.  I remember getting it at a Jazz Fest when he was at the music tent signing autographs, standing in line, which is something I rarely do for an autograph.



There are some singers that just connect with you and you feel that connection immediately.  It was that way when I first heard Coco sing.  I'm not even sure where I first heard him, but that gravely voice that was perfect for the songs of spirit and magic he sang.  I am going to have a regret that I can never go back and change now, the last French Quarter Fest I left after Irene Sage performed and before Coco took the stage. I wasn't feeling well and it was getting late and I had to go to work early the next day, I rationalized it as I'll have lots of other chances to see Coco sing.  And now I don't.

Coco Robicheaux felt like one of those heads on Mount Rushmore, larger than life and eternal.  He seemed beyond age, I've been seeing him for years and he has seemed the same every time I've seen him, forever caught at that age of wisdom that his songs came from.